In vitro photodynamic therapy on melanoma cell lines with phthalocyanine

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a new treatment modality of tumours. The photochemical interactions of sensitizer, light, and molecular oxygen produce singlet oxygen and other forms of active oxygen, such as peroxide, hydroxyl radical and superoxid anion. Phthalocyanine ClAlPcS(2), belonging among the promising second generation of sensitizers, was tested as an inducer of photodamage. We report the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the phototoxicity of ClAlPcS(2) assessed using G361 melanoma cells. A semiconductor laser (lambda=675nm, output power 21mW) was used as a source for evocation of the photodynamic effect. ROS generation and H(2)O(2) release after PDT on G361 cells were detected using probe CM-H(2)DCFDA and recorded by luminescence spectrometer. Viability studies show, that the optimum phototoxic effect tested on G361 melanoma cells was determined in the combination of laser dose of 25Jcm(-2) and phthalocyanine ClAlPcS(2) concentration of 5microg/ml. This combination of phthalocyanine concentration and corresponding radiation dose was lethal for melanoma cells.